A Victorian Diamond-set Star Brooch

A Victorian Diamond-set Star Brooch

Description

A Victorian diamond-set star brooch, the central diamond estimated to weigh 1.9 carat, surrounded by twelve diamond-set rays, graduating in size from 5.5mm to 1mm from centre, all old round brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a further total of 9 carats, all grain set in silver on yellow gold back with detachable brooch fittings, circa 1870, measuring approximately 5.5cm in diameter, gross weight 14.8 grams.

This gorgeous Victorian piece takes the form of a glittering twelve-pointed star. The dazzling old-cut diamond at the centre of the star weighs just shy of two carats and is surrounded by a further combined weight of nine scintillating old-cut diamonds. Jewellery in the form of celestial motifs was very popular in the mid to late Victorian era. The Empress Elizabeth of Austria, known as “Sissi” ” used to wear them in hair and Princess Alexandra of Denmark owned a large collection of star brooches similar to this one: in an 1881 photograph by Alexander Bassano, the Princess is depicted with an array of diamond-set star brooches pinned throughout the bodice of her gown. This piece would look gorgeous pinned to a gown, in the style of today’s Princess Alexandra.